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# Why Does Windows Update Show a Network Failure Error?

> Learn why Windows Update shows network failure errors like 0x8024402c and 0x80072ee2, and fix them by checking DNS, proxy, firewall, and update settings.

Windows Update shows a network failure error when your PC cannot reach or stay connected to Microsoft's update servers, even if web browsing seems to work. You may see messages such as "There were problems installing some updates" or "We couldn't connect to the update service", often with a code like **0x8024402c** or **0x80072ee2**. This page explains the common causes and walks you through the fixes in order.

## Common network error codes

| Error code | What it usually means |
| - | - |
| `0x8024402c` | Proxy or DNS settings block the connection to update servers |
| `0x80072ee2` | The connection to the update server timed out |
| `0x80072efd` | The update server could not be reached, often due to a firewall |
| `0x80072f8f` | Secure connection failed, often because the system date and time are wrong |
| `0x8024401c` | The server took too long to respond |

## Why the error happens

* **Unstable or slow internet:** Large update downloads time out on weak Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots.
* **DNS problems:** Your PC cannot resolve Microsoft's update server addresses.
* **Proxy or VPN settings:** A proxy, VPN, or leftover proxy configuration redirects or blocks update traffic.
* **Firewall or antivirus:** Security software blocks the Windows Update service from connecting.
* **Wrong date and time:** Secure connections fail when the system clock is off.
* **Metered connection:** Windows pauses some downloads on connections marked as metered.
* **Corrupted update cache:** Damaged files in the update folder cause repeated download failures.

<Tip>
  Retry Windows Update after each fix. Many network errors are temporary and clear up after a restart or a few minutes on a stable connection.
</Tip>

## Fix 1: Check your internet connection

<Steps>
  <Step title="Restart your router and PC">
    Turn off your router for 30 seconds, turn it back on, then restart your PC.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use a stable connection">
    Switch to a wired Ethernet connection or a stronger Wi-Fi network if possible.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn off metered connection">
    Go to **Settings > Network & internet**, select your connection, and turn off **Metered connection**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Fix 2: Disconnect VPN and reset proxy settings

Disconnect any VPN, then go to **Settings > Network & internet > Proxy** and turn off **Use a proxy server** unless your organization requires it.

To clear the system proxy used by Windows services, open **Command Prompt** as administrator and run:

```bash Command Prompt theme={null}
netsh winhttp reset proxy
```

## Fix 3: Flush DNS and reset the network stack

Open **Command Prompt** as administrator and run these commands one at a time:

```bash Command Prompt theme={null}
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
```

Restart your PC after the commands finish.

## Fix 4: Change your DNS server

If your internet provider's DNS is unreliable, switch to a public DNS server.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open adapter settings">
    Go to **Settings > Network & internet**, select your connection, and click **Edit** next to **DNS server assignment**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the DNS manually">
    Choose **Manual**, turn on **IPv4**, and enter a public DNS such as `8.8.8.8` (preferred) and `1.1.1.1` (alternate).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and retry">
    Click **Save**, then check for updates again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Fix 5: Check the date and time

Go to **Settings > Time & language > Date & time**, turn on **Set time automatically**, and click **Sync now**.

## Fix 6: Allow Windows Update through your firewall and antivirus

Temporarily turn off third-party antivirus or firewall software and retry Windows Update. If the update works, add an exception for Windows Update in that software, then turn protection back on.

<Warning>
  Always re-enable your security software after testing.
</Warning>

## Fix 7: Run the troubleshooters

* **Windows 11:** Go to **Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters**, then run **Windows Update** and **Network and Internet**.
* **Windows 10:** Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters**, then run **Windows Update** and **Internet Connections**.

## Fix 8: Reset Windows Update components

If downloads keep failing, clear the update cache. Open **Command Prompt** as administrator and run:

```bash Command Prompt theme={null}
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv
```

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My internet works fine. Why does Windows Update still fail?">
    Browsers and Windows Update can use different network settings. A leftover system proxy, a DNS problem, or a firewall rule can block only the update service. Fixes 2, 3, and 6 address this.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I am on a work or school network. What should I do?">
    Your organization may route updates through its own server or block Microsoft's servers. Contact your IT administrator before changing proxy or DNS settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I install updates without Windows Update?">
    Yes. Search for the update's KB number in the Microsoft Update Catalog, download the package, and run it manually.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related errors

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Fix 0x80070422" icon="wrench" href="/index">
    Fix Windows Update errors caused by disabled services.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fix 0x80070005" icon="lock" href="/fix-0x80070005-access-denied">
    Fix access denied errors in updates and installs.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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